(4a)

The design and implementation of the Framework Programme (2012 - 2013) should be based on the principles of simplicity, stability, transparency, legal certainty, consistency, excellence and trust following the recommendations of the European Parliament in its resolution of 11 November 2010 on simplifying the implementation of the Research Framework Programmes (4).

(5a)

The improvement of nuclear safety and, where relevant, security aspects, should be prioritised given the possible cross-border impact of nuclear incidents.

(6a)

The European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII) has as its aim the deployment of Gen-IV Fast Neutron Reactors with closed fuel cycle between 2035 and 2040. It follows three lines of technological development and includes four major projects: the ASTRID prototype (sodium cooled), the ALLEGRO experimental model (gas cooled), the ALFRED demonstrator (lead cooled) and, as support infrastructure for the latter technology, the MYRRHA fast neutron irradiation facility (lead-bismuth cooled).

(6b)

Three major European cooperative initiatives in nuclear science and technology were launched under the Seventh Euratom Framework Programme (2007 to 2011). They are the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform (SNETP), the Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform (IGDTP) and the Multidisciplinary European Low Dose Initiative (MELODI). Both SNETP and IGDTP correspond with SET-Plan objectives.

(6c)

In view of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan resulting from the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011, additional research work in the field of nuclear fission safety is necessary in order to reassure Union citizens that the safety of nuclear facilities based in the Union continues to meet the highest international standards. Such additional work requires an increase in the budget allocation for nuclear fission.

(9a)

An agreement on additional funding of ITER solely through transfers of unused 2011 margins of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and without redeployments from the Seventh EU Framework Programme (2007-2013) to the Framework Programme (2012-2013) would allow for swift adoption of the programme in 2011.

(11)

The Council Conclusions on the need for skills in the nuclear field, adopted at its meeting held on 1 and 2 December 2008, recognise that it is essential to maintain within the Community a high level of training in the nuclear field.

(11)

The Council Conclusions on the need for skills in the nuclear field, adopted at its meeting held on 1 and 2 December 2008, recognise that it is essential to maintain within the Community a high level of training , and proper working conditions, in the nuclear field.

(14a)

The Commission, the European Council, the Council and the Member States are to start a process to amend the Euratom Treaty, strengthening its provisions on the information and co-legislation rights of the European Parliament on Euratom research and environmental protection issues in order to facilitate, inter alia, future budgetary procedures.

(16)

This Decision should establish, for the entire duration of the Framework Programme (2012-2013), a financial envelope that constitutes the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management, for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.

(16)

This Decision should establish, for the entire duration of the Framework Programme (2012-2013), a financial envelope that constitutes the prime reference, within the meaning of point 37 of the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 17 May 2006 on budgetary discipline and sound financial management (IIA) , for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure. To accommodate the Framework Programme (2012-2013) in the MFF for the years 2012 and 2013, it will be necessary to amend the MFF by increasing the ceiling of Heading 1a. If no other 2011 MFF margins are available to be transferred in 2012 and 2013, the Flexibility Instrument, as provided for in point 27 of the IIA, should be mobilised.

(16a)

For the 2014-2020 MFF, the financial resources dedicated to the ITER project should be fixed for the whole programming period so that any over-running of the costs beyond the EU share of EUR 6 600 000 000 for the ITER construction period, currently planned to be finalised in 2020, should be financed outside the MFF ceilings (‧ring fencing‧).

(18)

The international and global dimension of European research activities is important with a view to obtain mutual benefits. The Framework Programme (2012-2013) should be open to the participation of countries that have concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, at project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation.

(18)

The international and global dimension of European research activities is important with a view to obtain mutual benefits. The Framework Programme (2012-2013) should therefore on the one hand be open to the participation of countries that have concluded the necessary agreements to this effect, and should also be open, at project level and on the basis of mutual benefit, to the participation of entities from third countries and of international organisations for scientific cooperation. On the other hand, this also means that, particularly with regard to the ITER project, the international partners should fully respect their financial obligations.

—

fusion energy research 2 208 809 000 ;

—

fusion energy research 1 748 809 000 ; this figure include the necessary funds for the continuation of the JET programme in Culham;

—

nuclear fission and radiation protection 118 245 000;

—

nuclear fission , especially safety, improving the management of nuclear waste and radiation protection 118 245 000;

—

nuclear activities of the JRC 233 216 000 .

—

nuclear activities of the JRC relating to nuclear safety, environmental protection and decommissioning 233 216 000

3.

Nuclear security, will further support the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular development of methods for the control of the fuel cycle facilities, the implementation of the additional protocol including environmental sampling and integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive materials associated with illicit trafficking of such materials including the nuclear forensics.

3.

Nuclear security, will further support the accomplishment of Community commitments, in particular development of methods for the control of the fuel cycle facilities, the implementation of the additional protocol including environmental sampling and integrated safeguards, and the prevention of the diversion of nuclear and radioactive materials associated with illicit trafficking of such materials including the nuclear forensics. It is necessary to make use of optimal monitoring instruments of all civilian nuclear activities, including transportation operations or storage location of any radioactive materials.